ScotFestBC Brings Kilts, Highland Games to Coquitlam June 19–20

ScotFestBC and the 129th British Columbia Highland Games return to Town Centre Park in Coquitlam on June 19 and 20, bringing two days of piping, drumming, Highland dancing, heavy events, Celtic music, whisky tastings, and family-friendly activities.

The timing is ideal for locals and visitors looking for something to do between FIFA World Cup matches. "We got games this year, and kilts to match," says Mike Chisholm, executive director of ScotFestBC. "Heavy events, piping, highland dance, Celtic music, whisky school. It'll be a rocking start on Friday night."

As Vancouver hosts a New Zealand game on June 21, ScotFestBC is offering a cultural welcome to visiting Kiwi fans. Te Tini A Maui will perform a welcome haka for any visiting fans at 2:15 p.m. on Saturday, June 20.

This year's fest honours retiring Coquitlam Mayor Richard Stewart by making him the Chieftain of the Day, a Highland Games tradition dating back centuries. "Richard has been a steady supporter of our festival over many years, as well as numerous other festivals and cultural events across our diverse city," Chisholm says.

The opening ceremony kicks off with a cannon blast on Friday at 6 p.m. Events include traditional Scottish competitions in caber tossing, award-winning performances from The Barra MacNeils, cultural workshops, food trucks, artisan vendors, children's activities, and the Whisky School.

A special ceremony marking the 100th anniversary of the Royal Canadian Legion takes place on Saturday at 1 p.m. on Piper's Field, featuring the Legion Centennial Pipe Band. The BC Pipers' Association Pipe Band Championships and massed pipe bands marching together round out Saturday evening.

When: June 19 (4 to 10 p.m.) and June 20 (8 a.m. to 10 p.m.) Where: Town Centre Park, 3099 Trevor Wingrove Way, Coquitlam Cost: Free admission on Friday; tickets at the gate and online for Saturday